Erfurt Cathedral

　　Erfurt Cathedral is located on the Cathedral Hill in Erfurt, Thuringia, Germany, and is an old church with a history of 1200 years. This is a church designed in the International Gothic architectural style, also commonly known as “St. Mary’s Cathedral,” and is the most important and oldest church building in Erfurt.

　　In the mid-8th century, Erfurt Cathedral briefly served as the seat of a bishop and remained the site of the Collegiate Monastery of St. Mary until the early 19th century. Historically, many church buildings had been constructed on the site of today’s cathedral, such as Romanesque and hall churches. Martin Luther, the initiator of the Reformation, once worked here in 1507. The current cathedral was built around the 14th–15th centuries and is predominantly in the Gothic architectural style. Inside the cathedral, there are many rare decorations and sculptures, including several statues depicting the “Parable of the Ten Virgins” from Matthew 25:1–13, as well as exquisite stained glass windows, all of which are worth close observation.

　　Since 1994, Erfurt Cathedral has become the cathedral church and consistory of the newly established Diocese of Erfurt, serving as one of the city's main landmarks.

　　Erfurt Cathedral Must-visit reason: The oldest church building in Erfurt Continent: Europe Country/Region: Germany Province/State: Thuringia City: Erfurt